Sport marketing departments in large corporations, e.g. Anheuser-Busch or AT&T

Law firms focusing on sport and entertainment

Strategies & Information:

Plan to earn a graduate degree in sport management, business, or related area and acquire relevant experience in order to work in professional sports.

Be willing to relocate to larger cities where the teams are situated.

These positions are among the most competitive in the industry. Gain as much experience as possible and be willing to enter into the field in the minor leagues or in lower positions.

Demonstrate enthusiasm, energy, and a willingness to work long or irregular hours.

Look for ways to get experience in sales and marketing as these are important skills to develop.

Earn a law degree and develop skills in investment management and negotiation to represent players as an agent. Research requirements for union franchises, licenses, or registrations to work in this field.

Area:

Sport Merchandising

Sub-Area:

Product Development

Product Distribution

Sales and Marketing

Brand/Product Representation

Store Management

Internet Sales

Employers:

Sport equipment and supply industry, e.g. Wilson, Spalding, Adidas

Exercise equipment manufacturers

Sport and recreation retailers

Sporting Goods Manufacturer's Association

Strategies & Information:

Work in retail stores that sell sport or recreational merchandise or in campus recreation facilities that rent equipment to students.

Gain sales experience through part-time or summer jobs and internships.

Strategies & Information:

Gain relevant experience through part-time or summer jobs or internships.

Work in campus recreation and fitness facilities.

Spend summers as an outdoor guide or tour guide.

Get involved in campus recreational organizations.

Volunteer to plan and lead outings or trips.

Maintain excellent personal fitness and athletic proficiency.

Develop strong communication skills and learn to work well with a variety of people.

Area:

Sport Media

Sub-Area:

Journalism

Broadcasting

Photojournalism

Sport Information

Advertising Sales

Employers:

Newspapers

Television

Radio

Cable

Magazines

Special interest sport publications

Internet sites

Strategies & Information:

Supplement a major in sport management with journalism and broadcasting classes. Earn a double major or minor if possible.

Complete an internship or work part-time at a newspaper or radio/television station.

Publish as much as possible in college and local newspapers. Work as a sport writer or photographer on campus.

Volunteer at the campus radio or television station.

Create a portfolio of published work, articles, and photographs or an online portfolio highlighting digital media skills.

Plan to start career in small markets and be willing to relocate to work into major markets.

Develop a solid command of sports, the ability to interview people, and excellent communication skills.

General Information and Strategies

The field of sport management is extremely competitive. Candidates must be willing to start at the bottom and work their way up.

Gain as much hands-on experience in the industry as possible through practica, internships, and volunteer positions. As a student, be willing to work for no pay in order to gain the necessary experience.

Once an area of interest is identified, find ways to gain experience and skills particular to that field.

Learn to work well on a team and learn how to get along with different personality types.

Develop strong skills in sales and marketing as these are critical in many aspects of sport management.

Demonstrate energy, enthusiasm, and a strong work ethic. Be prepared to work long and irregular hours, including weekends and holidays.

Build relationships with coaches, athletic directors, college equipment/uniform representatives, and student athletes. Networking is a very important skill to develop in this field and can lead to job opportunities.

Join relevant professional associations; attend their conferences and read their journals.

Earn a graduate or law degree in areas such as sport management, law, business, or college student personal for increased opportunities.

Sport management majors often find work in other areas and industries, particularly in sales and management.